LOCAL Spotlight written By: michigan tourism
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Ice Skating
in Michigan
ne of our favorite parts of winter is enjoying the outdoors, whether it’s skiing or sledding. But is there anything more magical than lacing up your skates and slicing the ice at an outdoor ice skating rink? Here in the Great Lakes State, our cold winter weather is ideal for this beloved seasonal activity,ik and you’ll want to lace up your skates as soon as possible. Here are seven of the loveliest outdoor skating spots throughout Pure Michigan.
Campus Martius – Detroit For a unique experience in downtown Detroit, head to The Rink at Campus Martius. The skating season begins with the official lighting of the Christmas tree in November and extends through mid-March! After skating, warm up with a hot chocolate in the Cadillac Square Lounge and take a peek in the boutique shops surrounding Campus Martius.
Greenfield Village – Dearborn Take a trip back in time and visit Greenfield Village this Christmas season. The village is filled with cheer as carolers line the streets and Santa’s sleigh bells jingle in your ears. Strap on a pair of skates and take a spin around the ice rink built in 1800s fashion. And, when you’re ready for more yuletide cheer, munch on roasted chestnuts and finish your night with a fireworks show. 22
University of Michigan-Flint Ice Muskegon Winter Sports Complex Rink – Flint – Muskegon After 25 years, the University of MichiganFlint reopened the downtown Flint ice rink. The rink is not only an on-campus attraction but also a festive and family-fun atmosphere! The rink is free to the public on Wednesday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Rosa Parks Circle – Grand Rapids Concerts are held here on summer evenings, but, in the wintertime, ice-skating at Rosa Parks Circle is the perfect holiday outing. Each winter this public space is filled with skaters of all ages, come to enjoy the beauty and charm of downtown Grand Rapids.
Pretend you’re an Olympic athlete at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex this winter! With two acres of ice skating and an ice path through the woods, this complex has some of the best ice skating opportunities in West Michigan. The Winter Sports Complex is also outfitted with an ice luge, cross-country skiing paths, snowshoeing trails, and a sledding hill! Welcome to a true winter wonderland!